Those of you following my work last year will note that I haven't gotten nearly as far as I had hoped.  The good news is I've had fun along the way, and tried some new things.

A few years ago I was taking my wife to a crafts shop in Marion, PA when I came upon the perfect trackside structure. It was a grain feed depot alongside a railroad spur. I made it a point to return someday and take some photos. However, I procrastinated and when I recently returned, motivated by the purchase of an ERTL 1:64 scale Grain Feed Set, the business had transferred to a pellet dealership. The plan was to marry the ERTL set with a scratchbuilt structure that was inspired by the structure in Marion.

I've often been told that it's not worth the effort to convert older locos to DCC.  I can understand why.  However, has anyone tried to "upgrade" these old locos to more modern wheels, drive train, gears, etc?  I'm just curious.  On the surface it sounds like a lot of work.  I have a number of N-Scale locos that are 15-25 years old.  I would rather see them running than "gut" them to operate a dummies.   Has anyone tried upgrading older stuff?  Can it be done within reasonable time, ability and financial limits?

I read the ANE turnout smartswitch reveiw with interest as I have 20 installed on my layout.

My experience with these is not wholly good.

I have to say I was drawn to this product by its simplicity and small size (tortoise take up a lot of space) and its functionality. I think its concept is great and the ease of programming first class.

However the down side has been a few problems that remain unresolved although the customer support from ANE has been prompt and friendly.